July 10, 2014

ABA Produces Simulation for MOCA® Video

ABA PRODUCES SIMULATION FOR MOCA® VIDEO 

Short film designed to set expectations for simulation experience and explain its benefits

Raleigh, N.C. (July 10, 2014) – The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) has released a brief video titled “Simulation for MOCA®” to set expectations for diplomates participating in simulation courses and to share the benefits of this Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology Program® (MOCA®) activity.

ABA diplomates must complete multiple activities during their 10-year MOCA cycle to demonstrate that they are participating in evaluations of their clinical practice and engaging in practice improvement activities. These activities are meant to assure the public that ABA diplomates demonstrate a commitment to quality clinical outcomes and patient safety.

The current MOCA Part 4: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement requirement is completion of a case evaluation, a simulation course, and an attestation of clinical activity during the 10-year cycle. Simulation courses are designed to provide diplomates hands-on experience with critical, life-threatening events that rarely occur to prepare them to manage such events successfully when they do happen.

The ABA and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) developed endorsement criteria for simulation centers and today there are 43 simulation centers in 25 states that meet the established criteria. Simulation at an ASA-endorsed center became a MOCA Part 4 requirement in 2008 and nearly 3,000 ABA diplomates have participated in these courses.

Ninety-five percent of diplomates who have taken simulation courses reported they would recommend simulation to their colleagues, and 98 percent feel their course was relevant to their practice. Participants identified “relevance to my practice” as the most important element of the program. Additionally, within three months of the simulation course, 95 percent of participants reported that they had successfully completed changes in their practice based on what they identified during the course.

ABA Media Contact
Michelle Taylor
Director of Marketing and Communications
919-745-2281
michelle.taylor@theaba.org

About the ABA
The mission of the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. As the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, the ABA is committed to partnering with physicians to advance lifelong learning and exceptional patient care. The Board administers primary and subspecialty certification exams as well as the Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology Program® (MOCA®), which is designed to promote life-long learning, a commitment to quality clinical outcomes and patient safety. Based in Raleigh, N.C., the ABA is a nonprofit organization and a member board of the American Board of Medical Subspecialties (ABMS).